9 Best Businesses You Can Start With Little Investment
Updated on July 3, 2023 by Tim Donahue
Need ideas for a business you can start with little investment?
Are you tired of working for someone else and want to start your own business? Is the lack of capital holding you back? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:
In this blog post, we’ll explore several businesses you can start with little investment. We’ll provide actionable steps and specific advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
1. Dropshipping: An Easy-to-Start Online Business
Summary: Dropshipping is a popular business model that requires little investment. You don’t need to stock inventory, and you can start selling products online immediately.
Dropshipping is an excellent choice for those looking to start a business with little investment. You don’t need to stock inventory, as your suppliers will ship products directly to your customers. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a niche: Pick a product category that interests you and has demand. Perform market research to validate your idea.
- Find suppliers: Look for reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or contact manufacturers directly. Establish a relationship with your suppliers and negotiate terms.
- Set up your online store: Create an ecommerce website using platforms like Shopify or WordPress. Make sure it’s user-friendly and optimized for search engines.
- Market your business: Use social media, content marketing, and paid ads to attract customers to your store.
2. Freelancing: Use Your Skills to Create a Profitable Business
Freelancing allows you to offer your skills and services to clients without needing a physical location, it’s a wide ranging business you can start with little investment.
Some popular freelance services you can offer if you have the skills, or you develop them are:
- Graphic design: Create logos, business cards, social media graphics, and other visual materials for businesses and individuals.
- Web design and development: Design and build websites for clients using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or custom coding.
- Content writing: Write blog posts, articles, press releases, and other written content for clients across various industries.
- Copywriting: Craft persuasive sales copy for websites, landing pages, email campaigns, and other marketing materials.
- SEO consulting: Help clients improve their website’s search engine rankings through keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.
- Social media management: Create and manage social media content, engage with followers, and develop marketing strategies for clients.
- Video editing: Edit and produce professional-quality videos for clients, including promotional videos, tutorials, and event highlights.
- Photography: Offer portrait, event, product, or real estate photography services for clients.
- Virtual assistance: Provide administrative support, including email management, data entry, and scheduling, for busy entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Translation and language services: Translate documents, provide language tutoring, or offer interpretation services in your native or secondary languages.
These are ideal examples of a business you can start with little investment.
Here’s how to get started with freelancing:
- Identify your skills: Determine which skills you can offer, such as writing, graphic design, or programming.
- Create a portfolio: Showcase your work to potential clients through a website or platforms like Behance and Dribbble.
- Find clients: Use freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr or reach out to potential clients via email and social media. Network to find more opportunities.
- Set your rates: Research industry rates and determine a pricing structure that works for you.
3. Online Tutoring: Turn Your Knowledge into a Business
If you have expertise in a subject, online tutoring is a business you can start with little investment. Here’s how:
- Choose your niche: Focus on a specific subject or age group, like teaching math to high school students.
- Create lesson plans: Develop engaging and informative lessons to help your students learn.
- Set up your online presence: Create a website and social media profiles to showcase your expertise and connect with potential students.
- Find students: Promote your services on tutoring platforms like Tutor.com and Wyzant, or use local classifieds and social media to find students in your area.
- Set your rates: Research the market and determine a competitive pricing structure.
4. Home-based Catering: Turn Your Passion for Cooking into a Business
If you love cooking and have a knack for creating delicious meals, a home-based catering business is a business you can start with little investment. Here’s what you need to do:
- Plan your menu: Create a menu that showcases your best dishes and appeals to your target market.
- Check regulations: Research local health and safety regulations to ensure your kitchen meets the requirements.
- Promote your business: Use social media, word of mouth, and local advertising to attract clients.
- Organize logistics: Determine how you’ll handle delivery, packaging, and payment processes.
5. Social Media Management: Help Businesses Grow Their Online Presence
With more businesses relying on social media for marketing, offering social media management services is a business you can start with little investment.
- Develop your skills: Learn the ins and outs of various social media platforms and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
- Create a portfolio: Showcase your social media management skills by creating sample profiles and campaigns.
- Find clients: Reach out to local businesses or use platforms like LinkedIn to find potential clients who need help managing their social media presence.
- Set your rates: Research the market and establish a competitive pricing structure.
6. Selling With An Etsy Shop
If you’re crafty or have a talent for creating unique products, starting an Etsy shop is a great business you can start with little investment. Etsy is an online marketplace that allows you to sell handmade and vintage items.
Here are some steps to take to get started:
- Create a list of products you want to sell and decide on a niche.
- Set up an Etsy shop and create listings for your products.
- Promote your Etsy shop on social media and through word of mouth.
7. Selling on eBay and OfferUp: Turn Unwanted Items into a Profitable Business
Summary: Selling items on platforms like eBay and OfferUp allows you to start a business with little investment by using unwanted or secondhand items. It’s an easy way to enter the world of ecommerce.
If you have a keen eye for deals or simply want to get rid of unwanted items, selling on eBay and OfferUp is a business you can start with little investment. These platforms allow you to reach a wide audience and sell a variety of products. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather items to sell: Collect unwanted items from your home, purchase secondhand items from garage sales, or source discounted products from local stores.
- Research pricing: Look for similar items on eBay and OfferUp to determine a competitive selling price.
- Create listings: Take clear, high-quality photos of your items and write detailed descriptions to make your listings stand out. Include keywords to increase visibility in search results.
- Ship items: Invest in shipping materials and calculate shipping costs accurately. Offer various shipping options to appeal to more customers.
- Provide excellent customer service: Respond promptly to customer inquiries, handle returns professionally, and ask for feedback to improve your business.
By following these steps, you can turn selling on eBay and OfferUp into a profitable business with little investment. As you gain experience, consider expanding your inventory and focusing on specific niches to grow your business further.
8. Event Planning
If you have a knack for organization and planning, event planning is a great business to start with little investment. You can start by offering your services to friends and family members and building your portfolio from there.
Here are some steps to take to get started:
- Develop a strong understanding of event planning by researching and learning from experienced event planners.
- Create a portfolio of events you have planned and organize events for friends and family members to gain experience.
- Network with local vendors and venues to build relationships and create a list of resources to use for future events.
9. Virtual Assistant
As more businesses move to remote work, the demand for virtual assistants has increased. If you have administrative skills and can work independently, starting a virtual assistant business is a great option.
Here are some steps to take to get started:
- Develop a strong understanding of administrative tasks and programs like Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
- Create a portfolio showcasing your administrative skills and experience.
- Advertise your services on freelance platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, as well as on social media.
More great ideas for businesses you can start with little to no money from YouTube:
Conclusion: Take the Leap and Start Your Business Today
Starting a business with little investment is possible with the right idea and determination. From dropshipping to freelancing, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your passion into a profitable venture. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and start your entrepreneurial journey today!
